Notably, Captain Jack Harkness has represented LGBT fans since the modern Doctor Who returned to our screens. And he certainly didn’t shy away from exploring his sexuality as a bisexual man in the spin-off show, Torchwood.

But this is the first time a companion has been openly gay.

And it’s about time.

“It’s important to say people are gay, people are black – there are also aliens in the world as well so watch out for them,” added Mackie. “I remember watching TV as a young mixed race girl not seeing many people who looked like me, so I think being able to visually recognise yourself on screen is important.”

Bill Potts encounters the Daleks – Credit: BBC

Apparently, Bill’s sexuality will be revealed almost immediately during her debut appearance in Season 10 – revealed in her second line of dialogue.

“[Being gay] is not the main thing that defines her character – it’s something that’s part of her and something that she’s very happy and very comfortable with.”

Still, it’s great that we’re getting more LGBT representation on Doctor Who.

Who do you think of The Doctor’s new companion? Are you looking forward to Series 10? Leave your comments below… and follow Ryan Leston on Twitter, Facebook and at Total Geeks for more on the latest TV shows.